Meta has teamed up with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to launch a new AI initiative called the Llama Impact Accelerator.
The eight-month programme is built to support early-stage startups working with open-source Llama models to create AI-powered solutions to real-world problems. Focus areas include national security, public safety, healthcare, and agriculture. The initiative also invites innovative ideas in other sectors that can deliver a measurable impact.
Sade Dada, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, expressed enthusiasm about working with Nigeria’s tech community. She described the partnership as an exciting opportunity to strengthen innovation through AI.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said the collaboration is a significant step toward building a strong AI ecosystem in the country. He emphasised that AI could be a powerful tool for solving key national challenges and that the programme will give local innovators the resources and guidance they need.
Applications for the accelerator are now open and will close on June 27, 2025. This move is part of Meta’s larger goal to make responsible AI more accessible and promote local innovation in Nigeria.
